10 Gentle (But Fun!) Theme Park Rides for Young Kids

If your little ones aren’t quite ready for scary or thrilling rides, start them off with these mild yet entertaining attractions.

By: Deanne Revel

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Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Edaville

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Orlando

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Disneyland

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Walt Disney World

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Dollywood

Photo By: Photo Courtesy of Universal Studios Orlando

The Seas With Nemo & Friends, Epcot

Based on the hit Pixar film Finding Nemo, this ride features video projected right onto the park’s aquarium tanks. Watch the animated characters mingle with real fish inside the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater habitat. The ride ends at Epcot’s giant aquarium, so save time to wander after and look at more sealife.

Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas Land

Thomas Land, part of Edaville theme park in Carver, Mass., features a real-life Thomas the Tank Engine that kids can ride. Ride through the park and scenic New England cranberry bogs.

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Magic Kingdom

Ride through the Hundred Acre Wood in an oversized honey pot and watch the storybook characters come to life. The best part about this ride might be line. The queue features interactive activities through Rabbit’s garden with paint games and crawl-through spaces to keep tots entertained while waiting.

High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, Universal Studios Orlando

This trolley ride gives you an aerial view of the park’s Seuss Landing. At a leisurely pace, it’s the perfect ride to do mid-afternoon. Take a break, enjoy the shade and look out at the view.

Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom

This open-air truck ride takes you through Disney’s savanna with tons of wildlife to see, from giraffes to hippos to an elephant family with a new baby! Use your FastPass+ on this ride as it’s extremely popular for families.

Peter Pan’s Flight, Disneyland

Based on the 1953 animated classic, your little ones will love soaring above London in an enchanted pirate ship. The queue for this ride recently got a major makeover with interactive games and sights to keep your kids entertained while waiting in line.

Toy Story Mania, Hollywood Studios

This arcade-style ride offers fun for the whole family. Little ones may need help using their pointer, but they’ll love the interactive scenes and games throughout the ride. Adults will, too!

Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid, Magic Kingdom

This whimsical animatronic ride goes through popular scenes from the classic cartoon all while riding in a clam shell. Little ones will love singing along to popular songs with Ariel, Sebastian and Flounder.

Rockin’ Roadway, Dollywood

These mini cars are a great starter ride for little ones. And they’ll love having total control of the wheel. Take a closer look at the cars, and you’ll notice they’re replicas of 1950s Thunderbird, Corvette and Cadillac.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Universal Studios Hollywood

What is it about these yellow creatures that kids love so much? Whatever the reason, your little ones will love being a new minion recruit. This 3D theater ride ups the ante with cars that move in sync with footage, really immersing you into the adventure.

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10 Gentle (But Fun!) Theme Park Rides for Young Kids

Related To:

Shop This Look

The Seas With Nemo & Friends, Epcot

Thomas the Tank Engine, Thomas Land

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Magic Kingdom

High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride, Universal Studios Orlando

Kilimanjaro Safaris, Animal Kingdom

Peter Pan’s Flight, Disneyland

Toy Story Mania, Hollywood Studios

Under the Sea: Journey of The Little Mermaid, Magic Kingdom

Rockin’ Roadway, Dollywood

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Universal Studios Hollywood

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